Dispute splits band of real-life Mich. superheroes

(AP) PETOSKEY, Mich. - PETOSKEY, Mich. (AP) â€” A dispute between two men over leadership of a costumed band of self-professed real-life Michigan superheroes has escalated into a battle of insults.

Mark Williams, who dresses up as Batman to patrol the northern Michigan community of Petoskey, and Adam Besso, who hails from the Detroit area and is nicknamed "Bee Sting," became friends after Williams got in trouble with police in 2011.

But now their dispute has split the dozen-member Michigan Protectors group, The Detroit News reported (http://bit.ly/1ncY6oo)

"He is an abusive, neglectful, thieving, boastful, cowardly crook," Williams said. "He belongs in jail, and I will see him there."

Williams, a part-time landscaper, has drawn attention for patrolling in Petoskey. He was arrested in 2011 after being spotted atop a building while wearing a Batman costume. He was arrested again in 2012 for interfering with police at an accident scene.

Besso was arrested in 2012 after his shotgun as he patrolled near Flint while wearing a bulletproof vest, black leather jacket with a bee logo, shin guards and knee pads. When Besso got out of jail, he rejuvenated the dormant Michigan Protectors, but some wanted Williams to be co-leader.

"He has to tear others down to feel better about himself," Besso said. "He's like 'Lord of the Flies' with a slightly better version of dirt bags."